Leisure and Water Parks

A great water park with death drops into a shark tank. The largest and possibly the most exciting waterpark in the Middle East - think Disney! Forty two acres of fun with a speedslide, rivers, rapids, lush tropical landscapes, Splashers, children's play areas and access to a private beach. At the famous Atlantis on The Palm and open from 10am to sunset.

Wade into crystal clear waters and enjoy a 90 minute Atlantis Dolphin Encounter or Atlantis Dolphin Adventure. Get up close and personal – an adventure of a lifetime which is exciting, entertaining and educational. At Atlantis on The Palm. Open 10am to sunset. Need to pre-book on 426 1030. See www.atlantisthepalm.com.

An amazing place where you're guaranteed to meet some of the most beautiful animals that inhabit our oceans and have lots of fun with them. In Creek Park - to get there ask the taxi driver to take you to Gate 1, Creek Park. More info at www.dubaidolphinarium.ae or tel. +971 4 336 9773.

Yes we know it's not in Dubai, but if for any reason you visit Abu Dhabi you must add on a visit here. An amazing theme park that's like no other. Apart from two rides that involve you being outdoors for just a minute, the theme park is indoors, which can be very welcome in the heat, but the vast building feels airy and light with lots of foliage to give an outdoor feel to it. It's at Yas Island, home of the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix. Tel: 02 496 8001 www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com

If you're heading for a day out visiting the garden city of Al Ain why not spend some time at Hili Fun City in Al Ain. It boasts 28 attractions for all ages, with roller coasters, rides, an amphitheatre for 1400 people and beautiful landscaped gardens with picnic and play areas. Not expensive and even cheaper on Mondays and Tuesdays with free admission for children under 0.89m tall. It's closed on Sundays and it's reserved for ladies (& children) only on Wednesdays. For more info visit www.hilifuncity.ae or ring 03 784 5542.

Sega Republic is an exciting indoor theme park for the whole family. Located on Level 2 at the Dubai Mall, this thrilling park has five themed zones featuring 9 adventurous attractions and more than 250 games, from cutting-edge motion simulators and virtual experiences to one of the region's largets assortment of redemption games - race, bobsled, spin, snowboard, fight and much more.

In Mall of the Emirates – you can hire all you need. An indoor ski resort with five different runs of varying difficulty, 6000 tons of snow and zorbing, sledging, snowboarding, snowballing, teaching and kids areas maintained at one degree Centigrade. Play with Ski Dubai's resident Snow Penguins (ask separately) or try the Snow Bullett. It's equipped not only with chairlifts but - this being Arabia - flying carpets as well. Plus The Avalanche Cafe. Tel : 409 4000. For much more information visit our dedicated page on Ski Dubai.

A five acre water park complex occupying a prime position at the entrance of the Burj Al Arab island on Jumeirah Beach Road, with 30 adrenaline-pumping rides and slides for adults and children, and superlative landscapes. One of Dubai's foremost tourist attractions the Wild Wadi waterpark is designed around a tale from Arabian Folklore featuring Juha and his seafaring friend, Sinbad. Try the Jumeirah Sceirah with a terrifying 32 meter, 50 mph drop, the biggest waterslide (120 metres) outside North America. Or what about the Whitewater Wadi which connects to 13 water slides or the rough and tumble Flood River Flyer, which has 6 slides and is recommended for strong swimmers only. A hidden gem is Breakers Bay where you can surf in continuous waves, and let's not forget Tantrum Alley and Burj Surj. The park has two entrances, the main one being by the Burj Al Arab Causeway, the other is for Jumeirah resort guests only. Pick up free body boards and rent your towels at a special counter. Lockers can also be rented. See www.wildwadi.com. Tel : 348 4444